Saint Anthony of Padua Festival with the Fòcara

The festival of Collepasso's co-patron saint

In the town of Collepasso, a small center in the province of Lecce in the heart of Salento, the Saint Anthony of Padua Festival is one of the most cherished summer events. Saint Anthony is the town's co-patron saint, and the festival, held in and around the modern Cristo Re Church, blends spirituality, folk culture, and music, reaffirming the strong bond the local community shares with its traditions.

The Fòcara di Sant'Antonio

The symbolic heart of the event is the lighting of the Fòcara di Sant'Antonio, a large traditional bonfire created by dozens of volunteers who spend months gathering olive branches and preparing the pyre. The Fòcara is more than just a striking spectacle; it is a sign of devotion and collective identity, around which the entire community gathers on one of the most anticipated nights of the year. The ritual recalls the ancient Salento and Apulian tradition of lighting devotional bonfires in honor of saints.

Faith, procession, and community

The festival maintains a strong religious focus: the neighborhood procession featuring the statue of the Saint, accompanied by a brass band, and the Holy Mass with the blessing and distribution of bread are the moments that define the popular devotion. Surrounding these rituals is an entertainment program featuring street bands, Salento folk music groups, and evening concerts that bring the town's streets to life.

A recently established event

The event, promoted by the Cristo Re Parish together with the Milan Club Association and the group "Gli amici di Collepasso," was established in 2024 and has quickly become a defining moment for the neighborhood and the entire community. Participation grows every year, attracting worshippers, families, and visitors from neighboring Salento towns.

Collepasso and Salento

Located in the southern hinterland of the province of Lecce, at the foot of the hills, Collepasso is an authentic village in the Salento region of Apulia, just a few kilometers from Casarano and Gallipoli. The Saint Anthony Festival with the Fòcara offers the perfect opportunity to discover the devotional culture and warm hospitality of this territory.